Caprese Stuffed Chicken

There’s something about the flavors of a classic Caprese salad ripe tomatoes, fresh basil, and creamy mozzarella that just screams summer, but when I first stuffed those ingredients into chicken breasts, it became an instant favorite at our dinner table. This Caprese Stuffed Chicken is one of those recipes that feels fancy enough to impress guests, but it’s so simple to make that it’s perfect for any night of the week. The juicy chicken, melted mozzarella, and the burst of fresh tomatoes inside every bite just take this dish to the next level. Plus, the herby, garlicky marinade and balsamic glaze bring everything together in the most delicious way. This is one of those dinners that looks like you spent hours on it, but really, you can have it on the table in under 30 minutes. My family asks for this one again and again!

Ingredients

• 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
• 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
• 4 ounces fresh mozzarella, sliced
• 1 large tomato, sliced
• 8–12 fresh basil leaves
• Toothpicks for securing the chicken
• Optional: balsamic glaze for drizzling

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Prepare the chicken: Slice each chicken breast horizontally, creating a pocket (but don’t cut all the way through). Season both the outside and inside of the chicken with salt, pepper, and Italian seasoning.
3. Stuff the chicken: Inside each chicken breast, layer slices of mozzarella, tomato, and a few basil leaves. Close each breast and secure the edges with toothpicks, placing them diagonally to help keep the filling in.
4. Sear the chicken: In a large oven-safe skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chicken breasts and cook for 3–4 minutes on each side, until golden brown.
5. Transfer to the oven: Once seared, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the cheese is melted.
6. Serve: Remove the chicken from the oven and drizzle with balsamic glaze if desired. Remove toothpicks and serve immediately. Enjoy!

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

• Serving size: 1 stuffed chicken breast
• Calories: Approximately 350 calories
• Protein: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 115mg
• Sodium: 350mg
• Sugar: 3g

(Note: Nutrition values may vary based on the size of the chicken breasts and the amount of cheese used.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve

• Serve with a drizzle of balsamic glaze for added sweetness and tang.
• Pair with a side of roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for a colorful, healthy meal.
• Add a simple side salad with a balsamic vinaigrette for a light and fresh complement to the chicken.
• Serve over a bed of pasta tossed with olive oil, garlic, and Parmesan for a heartier dinner.
• Pair with garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up any delicious juices.

Additional Tips

1. Secure the filling: Use toothpicks diagonally to hold the chicken closed. This prevents the mozzarella from oozing out while cooking.
2. Don’t overstuff: Be mindful not to overfill the chicken breast. Too much filling can make it difficult to close and keep the ingredients inside.
3. Use fresh ingredients: The key to a great Caprese flavor is fresh, ripe tomatoes, basil, and good-quality mozzarella. These ingredients really shine in this dish!
4. Sear first: Searing the chicken before baking gives it a nice golden color and locks in flavor.
5. Let it rest: After cooking, let the chicken rest for a few minutes before cutting to allow the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy bite every time.

Recipe Variations

• Grilled Caprese Chicken: Instead of baking, grill the stuffed chicken over medium heat for about 6-8 minutes per side, until cooked through.
• Add pesto: Spread a layer of basil pesto inside each chicken breast for extra flavor and a pesto twist.
• Spinach & Cheese: Add a handful of baby spinach to the stuffing for an extra layer of veggies.
• Sundried Tomatoes: Use sundried tomatoes instead of fresh for a more intense tomato flavor.
• Balsamic Reduction: Instead of balsamic glaze, make a quick reduction by simmering balsamic vinegar until thickened. Drizzle over the chicken for a deeper flavor.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with mashed potatoes or creamy polenta for a comforting side.
• Serve over a bed of quinoa or rice for a more filling meal.
• Add a side of garlic roasted green beans or Brussels sprouts for a pop of green.
• Serve with a Caprese salad on the side for a double dose of fresh tomatoes, basil, and mozzarella.
• Enjoy with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to complement the fresh flavors.

Freezing and Storage

• Storage: Leftover Caprese stuffed chicken can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: You can freeze this dish before baking. Stuff the chicken, secure with toothpicks, and freeze in a single layer on a baking sheet. Once frozen, transfer to a freezer-safe container. When ready to cook, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.
• Reheating: To reheat, place the chicken in a 350°F oven for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also reheat in the microwave, but the chicken may not be as crispy.

Special Equipment

• Oven-safe skillet for searing and baking the chicken.
• Toothpicks to secure the chicken breasts while cooking.
• Tongs to easily flip the chicken during searing.
• Instant-read thermometer to ensure the chicken is cooked to 165°F.

FAQ

1. Can I use other types of cheese? Yes! While mozzarella is traditional for Caprese, you could also use provolone, fontina, or even goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
2. What if I don’t have fresh basil? If you don’t have fresh basil, you can use a small amount of dried basil or even a spoonful of pesto for a similar flavor.
3. Can I make this recipe ahead of time? Yes, you can stuff the chicken breasts a few hours in advance and keep them in the fridge until you’re ready to cook. Just be sure to cook them within the same day for the best results.
4. How do I prevent the mozzarella from melting out of the chicken? Make sure you use toothpicks to securely close the chicken breasts, and place them diagonally. This will help keep the mozzarella and other ingredients inside during cooking.
5. Can I grill the stuffed chicken instead of baking it? Absolutely! Just be careful when grilling to flip the chicken gently to avoid losing the filling. Cook over medium heat for about 6–8 minutes per side, or until the chicken reaches 165°F internally.

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